Kent Police slammed after poster lumps rape in ‘non-emergency’ category
A black-and-white poster at Maidstone Police Station sparked outrage by listing rape and sexual assault alongside minor incidents like anti-social behaviour, fraud, and traffic issues – all supposedly ‘non-emergency’ reports.
Social Media Fury Over Downplaying Serious Crimes
Photos of the poster went viral on March 15, prompting furious reactions online. One social media user blasted Kent Police, saying, “How can you minimise such a heinous and violent crime? This just shows how done out this country is getting!” Another chimed in, linking the debacle to recent damning reports branding the Met Police as “broken and corrupt.”
Kent Police confirmed the controversial poster was displayed at Maidstone station but has since been removed and replaced with clearer guidance on reporting crimes. A spokesperson said, “It was put up by a member of staff but has been taken down and replaced.”
Kent Police Defend Their Approach Amid Backlash
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Banks, head of protecting vulnerable people for Kent Police, stressed the force takes sexual assault investigations “extremely seriously.”
“We encourage anyone to call 999 if a crime is in progress or someone’s in immediate danger. This can mean the difference between catching a suspect or even saving a life,” she said.
“Victims can report anonymously or seek help through support organisations. All reports — no matter how received — are carefully reviewed by detectives and overseen by senior officers to ensure justice and support.”
Scotland Yard Crisis Fuels Public Outrage
The backlash against Kent Police came hot on the heels of a blistering report by Baroness Louise Casey into the Met Police’s culture. The 200-year-old force was slammed as “institutionally racist, corrupt, misogynistic and homophobic.”
Baroness Casey’s year-long probe revealed a “rot” at the heart of the Met — where predatory behaviour went unchecked and racism was ignored. She condemned successive commissioners for failing to uphold the integrity of officers and demanded a full overhaul of the £4 billion service.
“In the absence of vigilance, predatory and unacceptable behaviour has been allowed to flourish. There are too many places where people can hide,” Baroness Casey warned.
Her report exposed widespread ‘blindness, arrogance and prejudice’ and concluded the Met has lost public trust and “become unanchored” from its founding principles established in 1829.
“The Met is on the verge of losing its way — consent has been broken. Too often, it appears to act in its own self-interest rather than public interest.”
With public confidence at an all-time low, Kent Police’s tone-deaf poster has only poured petrol on a fire of distrust towards the UK’s police services.
